D S 

430 



# LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

f [FORCE COLLECTION'.] 

I -0*4 3% 



l UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. { 



REMARKS 

ON THE 

ANGLO ASIATIC SOCIETY 

OF 

BRITISH INDIA, 

BY 

W. BARWELL CARTER, M.D. M.A.S. 



NOT PUBLISHED, 



" To descry, in periods of tranquillity, the latent seeds of future distur- 
bance ; to display the wisdom of prospective policy ; and to exert the great 
right of mutual interference for the preservation of the general safety ; was 
a step beyond the actual, perhaps the possible, attainment of ancient 
communities." 




LONDON ; 

COX AND BAYLIS, PRINTERS, GREAT QUEEN STREET. 



PREFACE. 



Shortly after my return from India, I addressed 
the following remarks to a philanthropist, whose 
actions are beyond my praise. " Advanced age, 
and a constitution never strong," have prevented, 
at present, his taking active steps towards the 
benefit of the race brought to his notice. It has 
not been below his consideration, for he has ob- 
served, " I am sure no subject more claims the 
attention of every Christian ; I might even add, 
of every British politician. ,, 

It was printed and distributed to many 
who have distinguished themselves by disin- 
terested exertions, but never published. It was 
made very short, that it might be read without 
trouble by the occupied or by the idle. General 
suggestions merely are given, that the charge of 



iv «♦ 

presumption may be avoided, and the measures 
for adoption may be left to others better qualified 
to decide upon them. 

The Anglo- Asiatics are an oppressed, an intelli- 
gent, and an increasing people. Much may be 
expected, or, much may be dreaded from them. 

I am unwilling to increase the little work, from 
the motive that induced me at first to make it so 
short — that it may be read. And I again print it 
as it was first distributed to the benevolent, who 
judge of intention rather than of accomplish- 
ment (conscious that it has no claim to appro- 
bation beyond disinterested motive, and that it is 
undeserving of censure). But although I allow 
it to remain as it was spontaneously produced, 
yet, as a coincidence of sentiment in one that has 
been distinguished may obtain more attention to 
the opinions of one comparatively unknown, I 
have subjoined in notes those of Richard Watson, 
Bishop of LlandafF. I have but very lately seen 
the anecdotes that his Lordship left for publica- 
tion^ 



V 

tion, and from them I have selected, pleased and 
interested with the gratifying views of India 
which he indulged, and the prophetic manner in 
which he has recorded them. 

More than thirty years ago this great man 
wrote to Miv Pitt, then the Minister, and, in a 
sermon before the House of Lords, hinted to the 
Government the propriety of paying regard to the 
propagation of Christianity in India, and subse- 
quently, on fit occasions, privately but unsuccess- 
fully pressed the matter on the consideration of 
those in power. Since that period the Anglo- 
Asiatic race have sprung up, or at least have 
become numerous, and obtained a name. Were 
he living, this race, so well adapted for the fulfil- 
ment of his wishes, would not require my humble 
exertions : his monitory voice would be heard ; 
but the records of his wisdom shall be drawn 
forth, and, may the warning be effectual! I 



The 



vi 

The observations delivered in the following 
pages have not had the maturity of reflection, or 
the ability of treatment, that their importance 
requires and deserves. They have been made 
with an heartfelt anxiety for the welfare of the 
Euro- Asiatic race, and given early and imperfect, 
under the conviction that the information will 
excite men of greater ability to exertions of the 
same tendency, and that the advantages of delay 
would not compensate for the good that will arise 
from an early knowledge of their situation. 

Trusting in the operations of a benevolent Pro- 
vidence, we may indulge pleasing anticipations of 
the blessings to be disseminated by the means of 
the Euro- Asiatic race, — by their diffusion of the 
different improvements in arts, in commerce, and 
in the sciences, — and with them, happiness and 
virtue to a large division of the world. 

When we look to the energies and enthusiasm 
which have signalized infant states, and to the 
rapid increase of population where there has been 

scope 



Vll 



scope and reward for industry,— we may, at no 
remote period, expect a powerful and- virtuous 
society—tracing every sea and cultivating every 
shore of a most delightful and fertile region, — 
peopling the lonely Jungles, — covering with 
flocks, and herds, and abundance, the wild and 
desolate retreats of the serpent and the tiger, — 
doing away the errors of superstition where they 
exist, and planting truth where religion is un- 
known; — a society whose influence and impor- 
tance may make us proud to acknowledge that 
British blood runs in their veins ! 

WILLIAM BARWELL CARTER. 

Glasgow, Jan. 1822. 



TO 

WILLIAM WILBERFORCE, ESQ., M.P. 

fyc. fyc. 8fc. 



Sir: 

The interest of the British nation and of mankind, 
as far as the possession of India is of concern, 
and the diffusion of Christianity an object, is 
blended with the state of a race in Hindostan, 
lately, and by themselves, denominated Euro- 
Asiatic ! They were first, and are now, generally, 
the offspring of European men and native women ; 
but of late they are increasing by intercourse 
between themselves. They have been estimated 
to amount to nearly half a million of souls ! 

They are a class of our eastern subjects who 
merit protection and encouragement, who have 
the strongest desire to identify themselves with us 
— to appreciate the value of our institutions, 
social and political ; and who are thus prepared to 

b become 



become a powerful instrument in our hands, towards 
the accomplishment of the great ends which our 
dominion in those regions would seem destined to 
accomplish !* 

It is of great importance to the well-being of 
the people themselves, and to our interests as 
connected with the East, that some means should 
be adopted of qualifying them to become useful. 

An illiberal and unjust prejudice had long ob- 
tained amongst the Europeans against this race ; 
and it was even thought to be policy, under a 
former government, to countenance it. The con- 
sequence of which was, that whilst the religious 
prejudices of the natives received the highest 
sanction, the half-casts, degraded and weak in 
numbers, were left to themselves; and it is no 
wonder that they should have felt acutely the 
contempt that was thus unduly cast on them. Their 
rights, as Indian subjects, to be sure, were re- 
cognized, — they could possess land; but, mark 
the inconsistency, we call into existence, and 

bring 

* The wisdom of British policy, the equity of its jurisprudence, the impar- 
tiality of its laws, the humanity of its penal code, and above all, the incorrupt 
administration of public justice, will, when they are well understood, make 
the Indians our willing subjects. They will rejoice in having exchanged the 
tyranny of pagan superstition, and the despotism of their native princes, for 
the mild mandates of Christianity, and the stable authority of equitable laws. 



3 



bring up under protection of our own laws, a class 
of beings whom we affect to despise, and then 
would send them beyond the pale of those laws, 
to establish themselves singly, in the midst of a 
prejudiced and bigotted population (still more 
inimical to them from their resemblance and relation- 
ship with us ), in situations where a judge and 
magistrate administers Hindu and Muhamaden 
law, and British forms of justice do not extend ! 
It is not, then, surprising that they preferred to 
remain within the Mahratta ditch (the boundary 
of the jurisdiction of the supreme court of Cal- 
cutta) under the jurisdiction of our own courts, 
and to seek dependent occupation in public offices ; 
where their intelligence, probity, and industry, 
compelled us to prefer them to other classes of 
our native subjects. 

They are a growing society, and fully estimate 
the political consideration that wealth, talent, and 
respectability beget ; it has stimulated them to 
seek the removal of impediments to their further 
progress. A petition, addressed to the Supreme 
Government in 1816, fully evinced such a disposi- 
tion, and also the unity of feeling that exists 
amongst them.* The enlightened nobleman at 

the 



* Nothing unites men so much as any degree of persecution. Individuals, 
otherwise of no consequence, either from talents or fortune, become conspi- 

B 2 CLlous > 



4 

the head of the government was fully alive to the 
importance of giving their petition due attention 
— superior to the sentiments that had been too 
long cherished regarding them, he considered 
their condition and prospects, with the view to se- 
cure to the state all the advantage to be derived 
from their attachment and co-operation. The 
Pindaree war, then about to commence, gave an 
opening for the employment of some in subsidiary 
forces, and in the auxiliary corps that were 
formed j and those who were brought forward did 
honour to their preferment. But, in the answer 
that was given to their petition, it was intimated 
to them, that no order of the community could 
essentially look to the public service of the state, as a 
general provision for its members. And the con- 
stitution of the government of India do oppose 
particidar difficidties to the measure in that country, 
which could not exist almost any where else. In 
telling them, however, that they were to rely on 
their independent exertions, did the Government 
remove the impediments, which a race, circum- 
stanced as they were, would experience in follow- 
ing the course prescribed to them ? With English 
feelings, habits, and ideas, they could hardly be 
expected to throw themselves back upon native 

society, 

cuous, and acquire a degree of weight when connected with a party. Men 
claim merit from what they call their sufferings, who would have no ground 
for claiming it on any other species of desert. 



5 



society, to affiliate with native habits, and to re- 
linquish all on "which they justly prided themselves, 
in order to participate in native rights, under the 
shelter of native laws and institutions ! 

They adopted the opposite course, and have 
wished still to be distinguished by all which dis- 
tinguishes us ! 

As the descendants of Englishmen, to whom 
the avenues of liberal information are open, they 
have claimed to participate in our civil rights. The 
bold assertion of the privilege of publishing their 
thoughts, responsible to the laws, and not to a 
censor, led to the concession which the Govern- 
ment made, of a modified free press in Calcutta. 
They had the sagacity to know that the law would 
bear them out ; and the excellent policy of Govern- 
ment, from which so many advantages have 
flowed, anticipated a struggle that must have 
terminated in their favour. 

The editor of their Gazetteer was with difficulty 
prevailed on to acquiesce in the modification, by 
which he would be withheld from canvassing the 
most important affairs of Government. 

No doubt then can exist that the Euro- Asiatic 

race 



6 



race have a sense of their importance and their 
rights, and are determined to emulate us in our 
own cause. And, if it is to continue the policy 
of the British Government to preclude, or dis- 
courage, their election to the higher functions of 
civil and military employment, it is apparent, that 
facilities should be given, even the utmost en- 
couragement held out, to the direction of their 
talents in other liberal pursuits. 



To acknowledge, to organize, to direct to use- 
ful pursuit this numerous race of Euro- Asiatics, 
is an object of high importance. They are better 
able to endure the climate than the European, and 
more fitted for military enterprize than the native ! 

Allied to us in blood and religion, proud of 
that alliance, and prone to imitate us, if we re- 
move them from degradation and contempt, ex- 
tend to them the benefits of distinction and of 
science, we may have attached and active allies ! 
If neglected, acquainted as they are with our 
habits and resources, we may have lawless, vindic- 
tive, and very troublesome enemies. 

These considerations would be of great weight, 
should our Indian possessions become an object of 

con- 



7 



contention with a foreign power ; and time alone, 
without such an occurrence, may make them so. 
The Euro- Asiatics, already numerous, are rapidly 
increasing in numbers, knowledge, and freedom 
of sentiment — they have within themselves the prin- 
ciples of independence ! Numbers will produce a 
sense of their importance, the smart of unmerited 
degradation a discussion of their powers, and 
this a separation ! should no other cause pro- 
duce it.* 

That we may have them as allies, or subjects, 
is, in every point of view, a consideration of 
great importance to this country. 

We cannot continue always to hold India as a 
dependency : the time is hastening apace when it 
will become one, or more, independent power, or 
powers. Their intercourse with us has been fast 

enlight- 

* " Nations, as well as individvals, often promote their interests more funda- 
mentally by abandoning than by enforcing their rights. To persevere in a same- 
ness of conduct when a change of circumstances (such as the rise of a new 
power ivhich in a few years will be superior to all other powers) renders a change 
of conduct expedient, is a great political error ; is an unperceived rock on 
which the fortunes of kings, as well as of private persons, have been often 
shipwrecked. It was the rock on which Charles the First perished. He did 
not perceive that, though he governed the same people nominally that his 
ancestors had done, their understandings, manners, principles, were essen- 
tially changed. It was the rock on which Britain split and lost America. We 
did not advert to the difference between young colonists that wanted our pro- 
tection, and grown up colonies that were able to protect themselves." 



8 



enlightening them, particularly in the -science of 
government, and as soon as their principles are 
properly fixed, it would be desirable that they 
should be left to themselves.* How advantageous 
then would it be to us, to have raised so large a 
body to a situation which would qualify them to 
take a prominent part in the administration! — 
allied to us by similarity of ideas and feelings. 

It ought to be received as a proof of merit, at 
least of judgment, in them, that they have so 
invariably connected themselves with us in habits, 
ideas, and pursuits. At all events, no greater 
proof could be given of their disposition to iden- 
tify themselves with our institutions, and disarm 
our jealousy, by sharing our destinies in the 
country. 

Although we neglected them as despised and 
disunited individuals, we shall feel the necessity of 
attending to their complaints as a body ; and what 
they had failed to extort from our sense of justice 
and generosity, they will owe to our perception of 
the impolicy of such proscriptions, and to their 

growing 

* " In process of time, however, when ages have passed away, should 
the increase of a Christian Creole population terminate in a separation, which 
is, however, more likely to happen from other causes, the event, when it 
arrives, will be advantageous to both parties, and its approaching maturity 
ought to be hailed as a common benefit." — Hamilton's India. 



9 



growing importance as an independent order in 
the community.* And the object is now to deter- 
mine, from what they are, and are likely to become, 
how their energies may be best directed to the 
public good { 

This may, perhaps, be best effected, by direct- 
ing their talents to professional pursuits ; by the 
institution of establishments for religious educa- 
tion and the dissemination of medical science ; 
and by encouragements to intermarriage, and set- 
tlement in a frontier district. 

PROFESSIONAL PURSUITS.t 

Of what use may not a society be made to hu- 
manity, if, already grounded in useful knowledge, 
its energies are directed to professional pursuits, 
and its attainments are acquired by experience ? 

Fastidious delicacy, and speculative knowledge, 

make 

* " I abhor from my heart every species of despotism, civil, religious, and 
commercial. Despotism consists in the physical exercise of power, without 
moral right ; it is an offence against natural justice ; it is a degradation of the 
dignity of human nature, and ought not on any occasion to be either practised 
or submitted to." 

f " Men are to be esteemed, not from what they know, but what they are able 
to perform, from their skill in adapting materials to the several purposes of 
life." — Adam Ferguson. 

C 



10 



make their possessor the victim of disgust and in- 
decision. The Euro- Asiatic is in a happy medium 
between civilization and refinement — with little 
ignorance and prejudice to surmount, and with no 
acquired want to relinquish — possessed of useful 
knowledge, he is ready to reduce science to prac- 
tice, in its most improved state ; without impres- 
sions to erase, without hesitation at what is doubt- 
ful, he has only to proceed in an explored path, 
to secure that which has become established.* 

To enumerate the occupations that have en- 
gaged them will be sufficient to show of what 
their talents are capable. 

Although excluded from the higher functions 
of the civil and military establishments, which 
are engrossed by Europeans, they fill the most 
important situations of trust in them both — they 
are entirely relied on in the departments of ac- 
counts and disbursements. In the military and 
medical offices, and in the courts of law, they 
are rising to the highest estimation, and acquiring 
all the preferment allowed to them. In indepen- 
dent 

* " I have sometimes been inclined to think, that interruptions in the pe- 
riods of learning, were they not attended with such a destruction of ancient 
books, and the records of history, would be rather favourable to the arts and 
sciences, by breaking the progress of authority, and dethroning the tyrannical 
usur pers over human reason." — Hume's Essays, vol. I. p. 127. 



11 



dent business, they are in banks of agency and 
mercantile offices — the most eminent ship-builders 
in Calcutta are of this race, men distinguished 
for talent and acquirement, high character, and 
respectability — others are booksellers, printers, 
&c. Here their progress cannot be obstructed, 
and in these lines they arrive at opulence and dis- 
tinction, and do full credit to their new station in 
society. 

The examples of those who have had the bene- 
fit of European education in the professions they 
have subsequently engaged in, suggest what must 
be the consequence of their being able to acquire 
these advantages in an equal degree at home! 

The establishments for education are already re- 
spectable, and must ultimately afford the means of 
acquirement to any extent! The college, now 
founding, will hold out the means of instruction in 
every department of science — for one, who has 
now the means of obtaining a liberal education, 
there may soon be hundreds I Shall we await such 
a crisis, without considering how such a mass of 
cultivated intellect is to be appropriately directed 
to the interests and uses of society ? 



That it will be prepared to co-operate with us, if 
c 2 per_ 



12 



permitted, there cannot be a doubt — the agency 
that may be derived from it, then, ought to be 
considered, in imparting to themselves, and to the 
native society, the blessings of European science 
and knowledge.* 

ESTABLISHMENTS FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION. 

" The heart is deceitful above all things /" With- 
out the positive commands of religion, the best 
intention and the strictest conscience become 
wavering and capricious in the transactions of life, 
in the conflicts between duty and inclination. 
Humanity, interest, attachment, all, at times, will 
plead — will produce hesitation in the performance 
of some duties, and hesitation, from the deceit- 
ful colouring of our wishes, will insensibly cause 
our inclination to conform, apparently only, to our 
reason and our conscience ! To prevent this, 

ministers 

* " The Collegium Bengalense is an institution that would have done 
honour to the wisdom of Solon and Lycurgus. I have no personal know- 
ledge of the Marquis Wellesley, but I shall think of him and his coadjutors 
with the highest respect and admiration as long as I live. The Pagans of 
India, I thought, would in future story speak of Great Britain, as the Egyp- 
tians spoke of Chaldea, as Greece spoke of Egypt, as Rome spoke of Greece 
—as the parent of science and civilization." 



" An Establishment has lately been founded, but that which we can only 
expect from time and circumstance, the Anglo- Asiatic is prepared to enter upon 
immediately." 



13 



ministers of religion are necessary ; by their ex- 
hortations, their instructions, and their perform- 
ance of stated and regular duties. " Religion will 
glide by degrees out of the mind, unless it be 
invigorated and reimpressed by external ordi- 
nances, by stated calls to worship, and the salutary 
influence of example." 

Pious, zealous, and well disposed, as our chap- 
lains generally are, they are men peculiarly situated, 
and with many obstacles to such exertions as can 
produce effect amongst the natives. They neces- 
sarily go out at an advanced period of life — have 
to adopt new habits, and to acquire a new 7 lan- 
guage — the inclemencies of climate to contend 
with, and the attachments of early scenes and 
connections to obtrude on their moments of reflec- 
tion and retirement. These, together with preju- 
dice and ignorance to an inconceivable extent, afford 
obstacles of contention that the most unwearied 
patience sinks under. 

For these purposes, the Euro-Asiatic, at least 
amongst his own race, would be better adapted — 
at home, all the ties of attachment are around him, 
and he looks to a termination of his life amidst the 
scenes of his exertions, instead of retiring, after a 
limited period, to a country from which he has 

felt 



14 



felt himself an exile during the performance of his 
duties,* 

MEDICAL SCIENCE. 

In this department what an interesting field is 
open, and how entirely unoccupied! The prac- 
titioners 

* " God in his Providence hath so ordered things, that America, which 
three hundred years ago was wholly peopled by Pagans, has now many mil- 
lions of Christians in it ; and will not, probably, three hundred years hence, 
have a single Pagan in it ; but be inhabited by more Christians, and by more 
enlightened Christians, than now exist in Europe," 

" Till now (exclaimed an eminent divine, when he first heard of the Anglo- 
Asiatic race), I have ever seen insuperable difficulties to the dissemination of 
Christianity over the widely extended regions of Asia ; but these appear a -people 
designed by the hand of Providence for its accomplishment. 

The Native Christians are, " relatively to the other classes, existing under 
circumstances of degradation. The pride of cast among the Hindoos does 
not singly account for the contempt felt and shown by the followers of the 
Brahminical system towards thein, no such contempt being manifested to the 
Mahometans or to the European Christians. There are, undoubtedly, cir- 
cumstances of diet and cleanliness, which tend to lower the Nazarene in the 
eyes both of the Mahometan and the Hindoo ; and, the European holding 
himself aloof from the Native Christian, no portion of the veneration which 
the first attracts, is reflected on his humble brother in religion. Were it 
practicable to raise the lower part of the chain without lowering the upper, 
the Christian might, like the Mahometan, become a tribe holding a respectable 
station in the mixed society of India : and until some such improvement is 
effected, the temporal causes that oppose the conversion of the Hindoos will 
continue to operate. Conviction does not easily reach the mind of an indi- 
vidual, who, by becoming a proselyte, must descend from a decent rank in 
society, to one degraded and discountenanced ; whereas, were he encouraged, 
not merely by the number, but also by the reflective lustre of those, who, 
although of a different origin and complexion, unite with him in faith, he 
would soon have numerous associates." — Hamilton's India. 



15 



titioners in the public service are limited to its de- 
mands — can render no assistance beyond it — and, 
when we reflect on the sufferings that are endured 
by thousands, who fall a sacrifice to ignorance and 
neglect — the millions that are exposed to similar 
afflictions, under similar circumstances, and the 
gratitude with which they would hail our advice 
and assistance — could a more gratifying opportu- 
nity present itself of placing our progeny in the 
most interesting of all relations with our Indian 
subjects ? 

Whoever has travelled in India, has witnessed the 
eagerness with which the inhabitants of towns and 
villages flock around an European — presenting the 
sick, the lame, and the blinds to be prescribed for 
— the gratitude with which they receive any assist- 
ance that is rendered, and the evident respect in 
which they hold the possession of such qualifica- 
tions ! 

The multitudes that have fallen victims to the 
late destructive epidemic, might have been, for the 
most part, cured, could they have shared the assist- 
ance rendered to the inhabitants of our cities ! The 
Euro- Asiatic is, perhaps, better calculated, on the 
whole, to become the medium of imparting this 
boon to the people, than the European. He has 

no 



16 



no new language to acquire, and his familiarity with 
the English and Hindostanee, would give him 
equal facility in acquiring and applying the requi- 
site knowledge. His acquaintance besides with the 
peculiar habits and prejudices of the native, would 
enable him to combat these, in numberless in- 
stances, with better effect— although, in accepting 
relief of this sort, it is remarkable how readily 
they give way. 

This might be effected by giving the mixed 
race more ample means of acquiring European 
medical and surgical knowledge and practice, by 
superseding the necessity of their coming, to Eu- 
rope for it ! 

Much good would also arise from enabling our 
Missionaries to obtain sufficient medical know- 
ledge to render them equal to the treatment of 
common cases of disease and accident. Whilst a 
Missionary, in that character only, is suspected, 
avoided, or opposed, by a blindly zealous and 
ignorant people, in the character of a Physician 
he would have a passport throughout Asia — his 
progress would be facilitated, and his society 
courted and caressed— his doctrines would be 
listened to, in many instances, under the favour- 
able influence of gratitude ; and where, from 

corporal 



17 



corporal suffering, the mind is better adapted to 
receive and to reflect, with humility and with 
anxiety, upon the hopes, and fears, and conso- 
lations, regarding future existence ! He would 
not himself sink disconsolate and disheartened, 
after a laborious and vain endeavour to benefit 
their eternal interests, when he has found himself 
useful in alleviating their temporal afflictions, — 
for, such is the constitution of man, he cannot 
rest satisfied with an endeavour, however energetic : 
he must enjoy the performance of some positive 
good, to be assured that he does not live use- 
lessly ! 

The original objects of the foundation of the 
College of Calcutta have been, in some degree, su- 
perseded by the study of the oriental languages at 
Hertford ! An establishment, in this college, for 
a course of Lectures in the several branches of 
anatomy, surgery, chemistry, and medicine, might 
be an eligible mode. It would attract numbers, 
from curiosity and interest, and, ultimately, from 
the love of science, and the appreciation of the 
benefits resulting from it to society and to them- 
selves. It would serve to create a demand for 
certain preparatory attainments in the ordinary 
schools, which would thereby be raised and im 
proved. — Above all, it would direct and unite the 

d attention 



18 



attention of this intelligent race towards a useful 
and liberal pursuit — wherein they might safely be 
admitted to become our immediate competitors ! 

INTERMARRIAGE. 

This appears to promise a happiness, a scope for 
the exercise of all the kinder affections, the do- 
mestic virtues, to the new society that has become 
too limited by the artificial wants of refined. Who 
has not witnessed the suppressions of early attach- 
ment, or the cautions to prevent it, on the score 
of fortune, and calculations for the provision of 
offspring ? — • Ties that are most frequently neces- 
sary to give energy to the exertions, and attach- 
ment to the existence of declining years !* 

Inter- 

* " A man of liberal education, with an income only sufficient to enable 
lum to associate in the rank of gentlemen, must feel absolutely certain that, if 
he marry and have a family, he shall be obliged to give up all his former con- 
nections. The woman, whom a man of education would naturally make the 
object of his choice, is one brought up in the same habits and sentiments with 
himself, and used to the familiar intercourse of a society totally different from 
that to which she must be reduced by marriage. Can a man easily consent to 
place the object of his affection in a situation so discordant, probably, to her 
habits and inclinations ? Two or three steps of descent in society, particu- 
larly at this round of the ladder, where education ends and ignorance begins, 
will not be considered by the generality of people as a chimerical, but a real 
evil. If society be desirable, it surely must be free, equal, and reciprocal 
society, where benefits are conferred as well as received, and not such as the 
dependent finds with his patron, or the poor with the rich. 

" These 



19 



Intermarriage would produce a sense of the ad- 
vantages of legitimate birth, promote early and 
virtuous attachment, and all the domestic virtues 
arising from love of offspring, and exertions for 
their welfare. It would also in a public view be 
of great advantage. 

Every increase of population would, where the 
means of employment are unlimited, tend to an 
increase of produce. This would, in proportion 
to the increase, be given in greater quantities, in 
exchange for the commodities of the mother 
country ! — as colonists, — with the same habits and 
wants, they would consume a greater supply of 
our manufactures and productions of every kind— 
in time, even those of luxury, — and, in an orga- 
nized state, with regular employment, the returns 
of their own commodities would be certain, im- 
proved, and cheaper ! 

Whatever increases the consumption of our ma- 

factures, 

" These considerations certainly prevent many in this rank of life from 
following the bent of their inclinations in an early attachment. Others, 
influenced either by a stronger passion, or a weaker judgment, disregard 
these considerations ; and it would be hard, indeed, if the gratification of so 
delightful a passion as virtuous love did not sometimes more than counter- 
balance all its attendant evils. But I fear it must be acknowledged, that 
the more general consequences of such marriages are rather calculated to 
justify than disappoint the forebodings of the prudent." 

Malthus on Population, vol. II., p. 43. 
D 2 



20 



nufactures, increases the demand for manufac- 
turers,— a consideration of the utmost importance 
to our abundantly populated country ! 

DISTRICT. 

Were the race of Euro- Asiatics granted a fron- 
tier district,* and encouraged to settlement, with 
all the rights of subjects, they would form a bar- 
rier to any invading power ! A large tract of 
land might be granted to them, and a residence in 
that comparatively healthy climate would increase 
their mental and bodily stamina. 

They "would find occupation /—There are numbers 
who already possess the foundation of useful 
knowledge, and who only want a station and 
direction — whatever may be urged on their moral 
character at present /f Let a Dutch motto be held 
in remembrance : 

Make 

* " The earth is not half inhabited, the part which is inhabited is not half 
civilized, the part which is civilized is not half cultivated ; there is room 
enough for the agricultural industry, scope enough for the commercial en- 
terprize, employment enough for the manufacturing skill of all other na- 
tions as well as our own." 

f It is said by some, that " they are a bad race" Upon whom does the 
fault recoil ! ! ! Often, indeed, 

" For them no mother's anxious care 
Shielded their infant innocence with prayer : 
No father's guardian hand their course maintained, 
Called forth their virtues, or from vice restrained." 

THE 



" Make them diligent, and they will be honest" 

Whatever we may advise, good conduct can only 
result from the establishment of moral and indus- 
trious habits ; regulations for the encouragement 
of industry and virtue, and the control and pu- 
nishment of indolence and vice ; and these, to be 
completely effectual, cheered by the prospect of 
independence as a final reward. 

In a country where the conveniences of life are 
so cheap, they might all be educated at a small 
expense, by their own members !— this would be 
a field of advancement for a considerable number. 

They would, in towns, become shopkeepers, 
mechanics, in short, fill every occupation that the 
wants of society require. 

They would make their way in navigation^ and 
become merchants, and commanders of country 

vessels, 

THE EXTREME OF VIRTUE BORDERS UPON VICE. 

Generous and unsuspicious, their prodigality leads to meanness and their cre- 
dulity to deception ; and, at length, they become acquainted with the arts 
by which they have been themselves deceived. The most timid, when driven 
to extremity, become the most, desperate ; the most innocent when perverted 
the most depraved. Such is the fate of the young, generous, and inex- 
perienced. Wishing to live for the good of others, they become the prey 
of those who live only for themselves. This, this, surely is the fault of 
those who launch them into the world, without experience to direct their 
course. 



22 

vessels, — perhaps, form settlements in the islands 
of the Indian Ocean ; in fact, they would have 
every pursuit that the spirit of commerce and 
awakened desires give birth to. 

The opening of the trade to general commerce 
has already done a great deal, and will do a great 
deal more, not only in enlarging the mind of the 
people, but in improving the face of the country. 
Still more then will find employment in agricul- 
tural pursuit ; which has a wide field open to it in 
India— and it appears that she could, if her ener- 
gies were well directed, be able to supply a much 
larger portion of the wants of Europe — as she 
could do it so much cheaper ! 

When qualified to take advantage of these op- 
portunities, no power, on earth, can prevent the 
Euro-Asiatic race rising into importance; they will 
do so as naturally as water will find its level. 

I am, Sir, 
From an admiration of your virtues, 

Yours most respectfully, 
W. BARWELL CARTER. 

Glasgow, Jan. 1822. 



PRINTED BT COX AKB BAYLIS, GREAT QUEEN STREET. 



